By Bev Pechan
The town of Keystone is mulling over its continuing list of places and things that need to be addressed within the confines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Over time, upgrades to city property have been required, making public areas accessible to handicapped persons. While several efforts have been made in the past to become compliant, new construction and remodeling projects continue to move the need for more regulation forward. Along with accommodating the handicapped, state law compels communities to incorporate safety measures that are easily accessible by all.
Earlier this year, Barb and Walt Digmann, owners of the Keystone Country Store in old Keystone, were informed by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT) that their gas pump may be in the state right-of-way and may have to be moved. “We’re going to wait and see what happens,” Barb Digmann told the Prevailer recently. “We’ve been told that this may go higher than the local level,” due to the way roads were reconstructed after the 1972 flood, she said.
Town board president Nikki Ball concurs with the Digmanns’ take on the matter. “(Trustee) Kwinn Neff wanted to send a letter to the DOT because a pump is needed (in town),” Ball said, but he was told to hold off for the time being so other information could be attained. “We’re not even sure the road is where it’s supposed to be after the flood.”
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